North Carolina
Department of Health and Human Services

North Carolina continues to see decline in child abuse and neglect numbers

RALEIGH – In 2006, North Carolina continued to see a slight
decline in child abuse and neglect reports and investigations, and
some declines
in number of children found to be abused or neglected.

In state fiscal year (SFY) 2006, 111,150 children were assessed for
child abuse and neglect, a decrease of 431 from SFY 2005. Of those
cases, 16,753 children were found to be abused or neglected, and
another 7,844 children were found to need services, for a total of
24,597,
a decrease of 7.8 percent from the previous year.

“We are encouraged to see that the ‘multiple response’ system
approach is working across North Carolina. With the implementation
of this approach of assessing reports of abuse or neglect, we’ve
provided services to 24,597 children to prevent further maltreatment.
We’re engaging families sooner and more intensely upfront, and
we believe that is helping to prevent child abuse and neglect,” said
Esther High, acting chief, Family Support and Child Welfare Services.

“While we are encouraged that the numbers continue to decline,
we cannot become complacent in our efforts to protect children,” High added. “Let’s
never forget that every number counted is a child harmed.”

The “multiple response” system of child welfare means that
social workers have a more family-focused, less adversarial way to
interact with families when the problem is neglect and the child is
not in immediate danger. (Physical and sexual abuse cases continue
to follow the traditional model of investigation.) A finding of “in
need of service” means that social workers can immediately start
serving the family to ensure the safety of the child. MRS was expanded
to all 100 counties in January 2006.

Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina welcomed the declining numbers. “North
Carolina citizens want to ensure that every child is protected form
harm, and that all families have the education, resources and support
they need to nurture their children,” said Michelle Hughes, interim
chief executive officer of the nonprofit organization. “The multiple
response system offers child protection agencies and communities a
wonderful opportunity to come together to support families in need
before children are seriously harmed.”